Waiting for Baby's arrival: What to pack when you ready the Ultimate Hospital Maternity Bag; a Checklist

31-03-2021

Here's what you must put in your list of hospital bag:
Your ID. During a rushed-in hospitalisation admission process, you do not want to be frantically searching for your identification card or your insurance card or any documents your doctor gave you for admission.

Medical file and medications list. You’ll probably be asked this information at check-in. Your case history will help doctors act faster.

Medications. Carry along with you the medication you have been taking. Maybe it is not available at the hospital pharmacy, or is too expensive, or not covered under your insurance. Will save you headaches.

Your purse/wallet with the credit card or small amount of cash. You may require this for several reasons. The admission, a small errand, the cafeteria etc.
Your own maternity gown.
Non-skid socks or slippers.
Your iPod/music playlist, meditations, or any other audio you want to play during labour and delivery.
Books that you will love to read.
Cell phone and charger.
Toiletries.
Glasses and/or contacts.
Underwear. Disposable or otherwise.
Sanitary Pads. thick or slim, whatever you are comfortable using. You shouldn’t use tampons after delivery.
Nursing bra or supportive bra. A nursing bra will give you easy access to feed the baby. If you do not plan to or cannot breastfeed the baby, the support bra will take away the discomfort and pain.
Breastfeeding cover and pads or pillow.
Going home outfit.

For the baby:
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1. Soft cotton clothes in zero number. Wash them at home and pack them well.
2. Home-sewn washable diapers stitched out of cotton cloth. Much healthier option instead of the eco-abusive disposable ones.
3. Going home outfit. Consider the weather in your planning. Pack a spare in case one outfit gets dirty.
4. Diapers and wipes.
5. Swaddle or receiving blankets.
6. Blanket. Or a cotton sheet. Depending upon the weather.
7. Mittens to help keep the baby from scratching its own face. Booties and a warm cap.
8. Formula and bottles.
9. Car seat. Installed in your car several weeks before you plan to deliver — some seats can be tricky to install.
10. Baby book. Use this to capture your baby’s footprints and jot down a few notes to remember the first few days. Or a digital baby book.

Things for your non-pregnant partner: Hospitals often give these angels awkward sleeper couches to crash on and little else.
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Comfortable clothing. Pyjamas and other lounge clothes.
Comfortable shoes.
Toiletries.
Medications.
Glasses or contacts.
Phone and charger.
Camera.
Pillow and blanket. And a beanbag, perhaps.
Snacks and water bottle.
Book or magazine. You’ll be busy, but your partner may want some reading material during the long wait or while you’re sleeping/resting.